NIA busts fake currency racket, 14 held

An investigation carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has exposed Pakistan’s role in distributing consignments of fake Indian currency notes (FICNs) through a well-oiled network spread across the country.

An investigation carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has exposed Pakistan’s role in distributing consignments of fake Indian currency notes (FICNs) through a well-oiled network spread across the country.

The NIA has nabbed 14 accused in six states in the case so far and not discounting possibility of some more arrests.

“Malda in West Bengal has emerged as a major hub for pushing the FICNs into India from Bangladesh. Of the 14 arrested, 10 are from Malda. The NIA has identified the key figures in the racket who are based in Bangladesh. It will take the probe to its logical conclusion first in Bangladesh, then in Pakistan. The leaders of network were communicating with their suppliers in Bangladesh who in turn taking instructions from Pakistan,” said a source.

The Hyderabad unit of NIA developed the case with the help of technical and physical surveillance. An FIR was registered and search warrants were obtained.

Two kingpins—Morgen Hussain and Rakib Shiekh of Malda—were identified and arrested which led to the arrest of 12 more accused. Besides the fake notes, NIA has recovered a large number of ATM cards, bank passbooks and SIM cards.